Something Different

Original Deer by Wallace Davis 1974Back in 1974, my father was commissioned to make a sculpture for a small park in the new town of Portola Valley.  He made a large buck deer out of gas-welded steel rod.  The deer has stood proudly in the park all these years, watching the town and the trees grow up around it.  But time, water, and climbing children had taken its toll, leaving broken welds and missing parts.  The town removed the deer a few months ago for repair, but found it had no money for the project.  I have a lot of arc welding experience, so I volunteered to do the repairs.  The deer was delivered to my driveway, actually to the very spot where my dad created it, and I have replaced over 40 feet of steel rod.  Next week the deer will return to the park.  Maybe in another 37 years my son will be touching up the welds.  All in the family….